Operation Aaghat: Strengthens New Year Security Across South East Delhi
Operation Aaghat: As the New Year approached, authorities in the national capital intensified security measures to ensure peace, safety, and public order. In a focused overnight campaign, Delhi Police launched a special enforcement drive titled Operation Aaghat in the South East district of the city. The operation was designed to curb criminal activity, deter potential offenders, and reassure residents ahead of large-scale celebrations. Acting on strategic intelligence and ground-level assessments, police teams carried out widespread checks at sensitive and high-risk locations, questioning hundreds of individuals and recovering a wide range of illegal items during the course of the drive.
Strategic Policing Ahead of New Year Celebrations
The special drive was conducted with the clear objective of preventing any disruption during the festive period. Law enforcement officials emphasized that New Year celebrations often see increased movement across the city, making proactive policing essential. Multiple checkpoints were established, and coordinated patrols were deployed throughout the district. Officers focused on areas identified as vulnerable based on past incidents and ongoing surveillance inputs. This approach helped authorities maintain visibility, discourage unlawful behavior, and respond swiftly to suspicious activity.
Large-Scale Arrests Under Multiple Laws
During Operation Aaghat, police action led to the arrest of a significant number of accused individuals involved in various unlawful activities. According to official briefings, at least 285 accused were arrested from different locations under several legal provisions. These included cases registered under the Arms Act, Excise Act, NDPS Act, and Gambling Act. In addition to these arrests, around 504 suspected individuals were detained for questioning as a preventive step. Authorities clarified that such detentions are a standard measure to verify identities and discourage repeat offenses during sensitive periods.
Recovery of Weapons, Liquor, and Narcotics
A major highlight of the operation was the seizure of illegal and dangerous items that could have posed serious risks to public safety. Police recovered 21 country-made pistols, along with 20 live cartridges and 27 knives. The scale of illicit liquor recovery was also substantial, with officials seizing over 12,000 quarters of unauthorized alcohol. Additionally, more than six kilograms of ganja were confiscated, reflecting the ongoing effort to tackle narcotics distribution networks. These recoveries underline the importance of targeted enforcement drives in disrupting illegal supply chains.
Cash, Mobile Phones, and Document Seizures
Beyond weapons and contraband, the operation also resulted in the recovery of assets linked to criminal activity. Law enforcement teams seized cash amounting to approximately Rs 2.3 lakh during various checks. Furthermore, over 300 mobile phones that had previously been reported lost or seized in connection with cases were recovered. Officials noted that such recoveries not only assist in solving ongoing investigations but also help return valuable property to rightful owners, strengthening public trust in policing efforts.
Crackdown on Vehicle Theft and Auto-Lifting
To minimize inconvenience to commuters during the festive season, police also focused on curbing vehicle-related crimes. Five auto-lifters were arrested as part of the drive, sending a strong message against theft syndicates operating in the area. Authorities seized more than 200 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler suspected to be stolen or used in criminal activities. This action was aimed at ensuring safer roads and reducing the likelihood of theft incidents during peak travel days.
Preventive Detentions and Law and Order Measures
In addition to arrests and seizures, preventive policing played a crucial role in Operation Aaghat. Over a thousand individuals were rounded up under preventive measures to maintain law and order across the district. Officials explained that such steps are taken to deter potential troublemakers and prevent minor disputes from escalating into serious incidents. The comprehensive nature of the operation reflects the administration’s commitment to proactive governance and citizen safety.
Continued Vigilance Across the Capital
Senior officials reiterated that Operation Aaghat is part of a broader strategy to maintain security across Delhi during festivals and major public events. Similar drives are expected to continue in other districts as authorities remain on high alert. By combining intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and strict enforcement, law enforcement agencies aim to ensure that residents can celebrate the New Year in a safe and orderly environment.